As this year draws to a close, the Smile Foundation COO, Tshidi Chabane-Xaba, finds herself grateful for everything the foundation has experienced and achieved in 2025.

“It has been a year filled with big milestones, emotional moments, and countless reminders of what it really means to bring hope and healing to children and families across South Africa.”

Chabane-Xaba noted that every time she walked through a hospital ward during a Smile Week, she saw courage in its purest form: a parent holding their child’s hand before surgery, a nurse offering comfort, a surgeon finishing another long day with quiet pride.

Read more: The Smile Foundation and the Avela Foundation partner to restore smiles and rebuild confidence for young burn survivors

“These are the moments that stay with me, and they remind me that the work we do is about far more than operations, it’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and joy.”

The foundation’s Socks for Smiles campaign was a reflection of that same spirit. What began as a fun, light-hearted way to raise funds turned into a movement that united people across the country.

More than R1.1m was raised, making it possible for 44 children to receive surgeries they’ve been waiting for.

Also read: The Smile Foundation and the Avela Foundation partner to restore smiles and rebuild confidence for young burn survivors

“I’m also so proud of the strong partnerships that have grown around us. Vodacom, Adcock Ingram, Dis-Chem, Milky Lane, Cape Union Mart, Jetline, EPX, and so many others continue to walk this journey with us, not because they have to, but because they care.”

Chabane-Xaba said, looking ahead to 2026, her hope was that Smile Foundation keeps showing up for the children, for their families, and for one another.

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